Tax Professionals Prepare for Filing Season

Individuals can begin filing their taxes today, and area tax professionals say a bit of assistance can help reduce tax liability.

Changes in the tax code take effect each year. According to H&R Block Tax Professional Michelle Bachtel, individuals will need to ensure that this year they don’t overlook steps when it comes to reconciling their healthcare situation.

“Whether they have health insurance, didn’t have health insurance, had health insurance for part of the year, there are additional steps that need to be taken this year, so it’s really important they not overlook those steps,” says Bachtel.

Those filing their taxes with a professional will need to bring any income related documents – which can include 1099 forms, Social Security statements, and show documents if they sold or rented their homes.

Since 2010, the IRS has cut 12-thousand jobs. Representatives have even made requests that the public call their offices less frequently with questions due to the constraints.

“Audits are random, but you can rest assured that if you’re using somebody that’s professional and does this year round, not just part-time, that you’re going to have better math calculations, you’re going to have better deductions, you’re going to know that you were qualified to take everything that you took,” says Bachtel.

While taxes aren’t due until April, Bachtel says there are few benefits to filing early other than getting a refund check more quickly. The IRS typically allots 15 to 21 days to deliver any refunds.

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MAX 98.3 FM News Director Mary Perren is glad to be back home in northern Indiana and on the radio. She’s a North Judson native with more than 20 years of news experience. She’s worked in print and radio news in Indianapolis, Hopkinsville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn. and most recently in Winamac before taking over as news director for Kankakee Valley Broadcasting. Her work has been honored by the Associated Press, StateNets News Association, Curb Foundation, Hoosier State Press Association and IBA.
When she’s not sitting in the anchor chair or chasing down news, Mary enjoys shopping for antiques, attending concerts and taking long walks and rides in her vintage Saab convertible, weather permitting. She’s also a hopelessly devoted Chicago Cubs fanatic who still cringes at the mention of Steve Garvey and Josh Beckett and maintains it wasn’t Steve Bartman’s fault.